Chapter 30:The Kiss
Aileen's POV*
"I... Umm, I..."
I hesitated, the words caught in my throat as I looked at Anthony. I wanted so badly to tell him about my meeting with Mrs Price, but her warnings replayed in my head like a vivid flashback: "Miss Smith, I'm sure you're aware not to tell Mr Price anything about our meeting today. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your grandmother after all." Her words echoed like a haunting melody, and her mischievous smile flashed in my mind, sending a shiver down my spine. I turned to Anthony, forcing a smile that I hoped looked natural.
"Umm, I think I'm just gonna go home," I said abruptly. Before he could respond, I shoved the glass of orange juice I was holding into his hands and turned away, practically fleeing from his presence.
As I walked away, my thoughts were in a whirlwind. *What were you even thinking, Aileen? What if you spilt the truth and something bad happened to Grandma?* I berated myself silently. My steps were slow and deliberate as if counting each one would help clear my mind. But the weight of Mrs Price’s threats was unbearable, making me feel trapped and powerless.
I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice Anthony catching up to me. I only snapped back to reality when I felt his strong hand grip my arm, pulling me to a stop. My heart raced as I turned to face him, unsure of what expression I wore, but I knew it was unreadable.
Anthony’s blue eyes met mine, and there was something in them—a softness, a flicker of remorse. *But remorse for what?* a voice in my head questioned sceptically.
“Aileen, look,” he began, his voice earnest. “I am so sorry for what happened today. I’ve already taken care of it, and my stepmother won’t bother you anymore. I know it’s been a lot for you, and I know it’s unfair that you have to deal with all of this.” He paused, his gaze never leaving mine. “I just want you to know that if you were my wife, I would do anything to protect you. You’d always be by my side.”
His words were like a warm embrace, and I felt a wave of goosebumps wash over me. There was such sincerity in his tone that I couldn’t look away from his piercing blue eyes. He took a step closer, cupping my chin gently in his hand. His touch was soft yet firm, grounding me in the moment.
“But,” he added with a faint smile, “I’m your boss, and it’s not my job to comfort you.”
His words made my cheeks heat up, and I could feel the blush spreading like wildfire. “You’re the best person in the world,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you for saying those words to me. I’m really grateful to work for you.”
Our eyes remained locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. But then something shifted. Anthony’s expression changed, and he grimaced, placing a hand on his stomach as if he were in pain. His breaths grew shallow, and his face turned an alarming shade of red.
“Anthony? Are you okay?” I asked, panic creeping into my voice.
He looked at me, his eyes glassy and pained. “Aileen… I think… I think I was drugged,” he managed to say, his voice strained.
“Drugged?” I repeated, my heart sinking. “What do you mean drugged?”
He groaned, his voice breaking. “I drank the orange juice. I think… I think it was spiked… with an aphrodisiac.”
My mind raced, trying to piece everything together. *The orange juice? Could it be?* Then it hit me. *Susan.* That woman had been unusually nice today, and now it all made sense. She must have done this.
“Okay,” I said, shaking off the shock. “Let’s get you upstairs.” I wrapped my arm around him to support his weight, guiding him toward his room.
Anthony nodded weakly. “Okay… okay…”
We reached his room after what felt like an eternity. I helped him onto the bed, my hands trembling as I pulled out my phone to call for help. My fingers fumbled over the screen, but I managed to dial Dr. Evelyn’s number.
“Hi, Dr. Evelyn, it’s Aileen,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “We have a situation. Can you please come help Anthony right away? We’re at his place.”
Dr. Evelyn’s voice was calm but firm. “I’ll be there shortly. Just keep an eye on him until I arrive.”
“Thank you,” I said, hanging up and turning my attention back to Anthony. His face was flushed, and his breathing was uneven. “Hey, how are you feeling now?” I asked softly, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead.
“It’s too hot,” he murmured, his voice husky and strained. “I can feel it… I can’t take it anymore.”
He tugged at his shirt, pulling it off in frustration. My breath hitched at the sight of his sculpted chest, but I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a wave of guilt for even noticing.
“Uh, okay,” I stammered, trying to focus. “Let me get you a wet towel.” I hurried to the bathroom, soaking a clean towel in cold water before returning to him.
I gently placed the towel on his forehead, my hand brushing against his warm skin. “How are you feeling now?” I asked again, hoping the coolness would offer some relief.
Anthony’s eyes met mine, and there was something different in his gaze—something intense and unwavering. “Aileen,” he said, his voice deeper than before.
“Yes?” I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.
He called my name again, and this time, his gaze dropped to my lips. The air between us grew thick with tension, and before I could process what was happening, he leaned in. His hand slid to the back of my neck, drawing me closer until his lips met mine.
The kiss was soft at first, but it quickly deepened, becoming more passionate. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that left me breathless. I didn’t know when I’d started kissing him back, but I was lost in the moment, the world around us fading into nothingness. His scent, his touch, everything about him was intoxicating.
But then reality came crashing down on me like a tidal wave. *What are you doing, Aileen?* I pulled away abruptly, my cheeks burning with shame.
“Sir, we can’t… we shouldn’t be doing this,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’m married… and so are you.”
Anthony looked at me, his expression a mix of regret and longing. “Aileen, I…” he began, but his words trailed off.